What to serve for the Downton Abbey premiere

Looking to throw a "Downton Abbey" viewing party? Here are some ideas for what to serve.French 75. A sparkling wine cocktail created during World War I, when Season 2 takes place (the recipe is below).Deviled eggs. A staple on Edwardian appetizer platters.Broiled oysters. Another Edwardian favorite.Beef and Guinness stew. Fitting for the downstairs staff.Shepherd's Pie. Something else that might be enjoyed in the servants' hall.Beef Wellington. Definitely for the uppercrust.Fruit cake. Anything left over from Christmas?Victoria sandwich cake. A very British dessert named for the famed queen: Layers of sponge cake filled with raspberry jam or lemon curd and sprinkled with powdered sugar.

French 75

The name of the drink refers to the mainstay of the French artillery, a small field gun, during the Great War.There is some argument that cognac should be used instead of gin, but the first recorded version is apparently gin.Think of witty 1920s banter about blowing your head off with this cocktail.Recipe• 1 lemon• 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) gin• 1 1/2 tablespoons (3/4 ounce) fresh lemon juice• 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) simple syrup• 1 cup ice cubes• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) dry sparkling wine, such as brut Champagne, chilledUsing zester or paring knife, slice peel from lemon in long, thin spiral and set aside. Juice the lemon.In cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Strain into chilled champagne flute and top with sparkling wine.Alternately, you can pour the drink over cracked ice in a Collins glass (a tall, thin 12- to 14-ounce tumbler).Garnish drink with twist and serve immediately.Makes 1 powerful drink.

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